Language Immersion Courses in London, The United Kingdom

London is, according to English UK, one of the most popular places in the world to study English. Its language schools range from large centres for adults to small summer schools for children and teenagers, and many combine lessons with visits to the city's museums, markets and parks. Classes are taught entirely in English, and students mix with learners from many countries.

Accreditation

The British Council accredits English schools in the UK, in partnership with English UK, the national association of English language centres. Accredited schools must meet standards for teaching, management, resources, facilities, welfare and the care of students under 18, and independent inspectors visit them. If you need a visa to study English in the UK, you must study at an accredited language centre, so check each school's current status before booking.

Courses and examples

According to English UK, a full-time general or intensive English course usually means 15 to 25 hours of lessons per week. Other common course types are foundation courses that prepare for college or university, Business English and English for specific professions, exam preparation, English for academic purposes, one-to-one tuition and vacation courses for young learners aged 8 to 17.

• SKOLA runs junior English courses in Regent's Park for ages 5 to 17, grouped by age and level. A five-day summer course costs £720, and a seven-day residential option at Nutford House in Marylebone costs £1,490 (2027 prices). Its winter school offers 15 hours of English per week.
• Summer School of English is a small, family-run school in Wimbledon, started in 1975. It offers non-residential summer courses for ages 5 to 16 and arranges host families for older students.
• Canning, based at 42 Bloomsbury Street, offers English for Business training.

Accommodation

Schools usually book accommodation together with the course. The two main options are homestay, where you live with a local host and can choose half board (breakfast and dinner) or full board, and student residences, which usually have private bedrooms with a shared kitchen and lounge.

Visas

• Courses of up to 6 months: you can study English as a Standard Visitor at an accredited institution.
• Courses of more than 6 and up to 11 months: Short-term study visa, which costs £228 plus the healthcare surcharge (usually £776). It does not allow any work.
• Longer courses: an English course at CEFR level B2 or above can be studied on a Student visa.

Practical tips

• Compare weekly lesson hours, not only the price per week.
• Students on a course of at least 15 hours a week over 14 weeks or more can apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard, which saves 30% on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.
• For children, check whether accommodation, meals and supervision are included.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to study English in London?

Courses of up to 6 months can be taken as a Standard Visitor at an accredited school. Courses of more than 6 and up to 11 months need a Short-term study visa, which costs £228 plus the healthcare surcharge.

How many hours a week is an intensive English course?

According to English UK, a full-time course usually has 15 to 25 hours of lessons per week.

How do I know if a language school in London is accredited?

The British Council accredits English schools in the UK together with English UK. Look for the British Council accreditation on the school's site and check it in the English UK course finder.

Are there English courses for children in London?

Yes. Vacation courses for young learners are common: SKOLA, for example, teaches ages 5 to 17 in Regent's Park, and Summer School of English in Wimbledon teaches ages 5 to 16.